Indicating switch



Feb. 11, 1941. s L L 2,231,111

INDIGATIRG SWITCH Original Filed Aug. 51, 1956 2 1 INVENTOR $TUART HGALDWELL ATTORNEYS Feb. 11, 1941.

5. H CALDWELL ZNDICATIHG SWITCH Original Filci Aug.

51, 1936 2 Sheets-Shoat 2v INVENTOR. Y STUART H.CALDWELL m M M 4Z ATTORNEYS Patented Feb. 11, 1941 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE INDICATING SWITCH Stuart H. Caldwell, Detroit, Mich., assignor to Kelch Heater Company, Detroit, Mich., a corporation of Michigan rial No. 268,411

18 Claims.

The present invention relates to an indicating switch and more particularly to a condition responsive indicator combined with a circuit controlling device operable in accordance with the value of the condition.

In the present application, the subject matter based on Figure 1 is a division of my prior application, Serial No. 98,810, Tactual signal, filed August 31, 1936, now Patent No. 2,185,329, patented Jan. 2, 19%; that based on Figure 4, a division of my prior application, Serial No. 222,483, Speed responsive switch, filed August 1, 1938.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a condition responsive indicating device, such for example as a speedometer, has associated therewith a. circuit making and breaking device comprising an adjustable contact carried by the casing of the indicator and a second r. contact movable with the indicating element of he device. According to the other embodiment of the present invention the condition responsive and indicating device has associated therewith n'lultiple switch comprising two pairs of contacts related such that one pair of contacts is automatically opened just prior to closure of the second pair of contacts.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a switch actuated by a movable indicating member of a condition responsive indicator.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a switch closed by a movable part of an indicator and retained in circuit closing position throughout apredetermined range. K 5 t is a further object of the present invention to provide a pair of integrally related switches associated with a condition responsive and condition indicating device.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a pair of integral switches associated with a condition indicating device, together with means operable to open one switch as the other switch is closed.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a switch associated with the condition indicating device, together with means for indicating the value of the condition at which said switch will operate.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a condition responsive switch associated with indicator having a dial, together with means for adjusting the switch relative to the dial to cause operation of said switch at various values of the condition, and means cooperating with the dial for indicating thereon the value of the condition at which said switch will operate.

Other objects of the invention will be apparent as the description proceeds, and when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure l is a vertical section through one modification of my invention;

Figure 2 is a section on the line 2-2, Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a front elevation of my device with parts broken away;

Figure 4 is a vertical section through another embodiment of my invention;

Figure 5 is a front elevation with parts broken away;

Figure 6 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective of a portion, of my device;

Figure 7 is a detail sectional View of another portion of my device; and

Figure 8 is yet another detail sectional view.

The indicating switches disclosed herein are capable of numerous applications. In conformity with the patent statutes, I have chosen to illustrate specific embodiments thereof as con trolling a signal device in an automotive vehicle, and the condition responsive and indicating device illustrated is, in the present instance, a speedometer.

Referring first to Figures 1 to 3, the signal is operated by a speed indicator resembling a tachometer of the fly-ball governor type. The tachometer is shown in Figure 1 as comprising a casing it] having a dial I l secured to the forward end thereof and having a needle I2 supported in advance of the dial for movement across the face of the same. The needle I2 is secured to the forward end of a shaft l3 journalled in the front Wall of the casing and having the rear end operatively connected to a fly-ball governor l4 through the medium of reduction gearing 15. The governor I 4 is of conventional construction having a shaft l6 journalled in opposite side walls of the casing and having collars supported upon the shaft in axial spaced relationship for relative movement toward and away from each other. In the present instance, the collar IT is secured to the shaft l6 and the opposed collar i8 is mounted on the shaft for axial sliding movement relative thereto. The two collars are interconnected by means of the weight carrying links [9, and the collar I8 is normally urged in a direction away from the collar I! by means of a coil spring 20 surrounding the shaft l6 between the collars. In accordance with conventional practice, the weight carrying links are arranged in pairs having their outer ends respectively pivotally connected to the collars and having their inner ends pivotally connected through the medium of centrifugal weights 2|.

The weights 2! move radially outwardly with respect to the axis of the shaft I6 in dependence upon the speed of rotation of the shaft and, as the weights are displaced outwardly by the action of centrifugal force, the collar I8 is moved against the action of the spring 23 toward the collar 21. Upon reference to Figure 1, it will be noted that the collar I8 is operatively connected to the reduction gearing I5 by means of a crank 22 having a pin 23 at one end journalled in a partition 24 in the casing and secured to the drive gear 25 of the train of reduction gearing I5. The crank 22 is provided with a second pin 23 at the other end extending in a direction opposite to the direction of the pin 23 and engagea-ble within an annular groove 27 formed in the collar I8. The arrangement is such that movement of the collar I8 axially toward the collar I'I, under the influence of the weights 2|, effects a swinging movement of the needle I2 over the face of the dial II through the train of gearing I5. It may be pointed out at this time that the ratio of the gearing I5 is such as to move the needle I2 one complete revolution over the dial when the collar I8 is moved to its fullest extent by the weights 2I.

The shaft I6 of the governor is rotated from a selected part of the power plant of the vehicle through the medium of a conventional driving cable 28 operatively connected to a spirally toothed gear 23 journalled within the casing and meshing with corresponding spiral teeth 30 on the shaft I5. Owing to the fact that the diameter of the gear 29 is substantially greater than the tooth portion 38 of the shaft I6, it necessarily follows that the shaft I6 is rotated at a speed proportionately faster than the speed of the driving cable. This practice is usually followed in order to afford greater accuracy in indicating the speed of the vehicle.

It has been indicated above that the device briefly referred to is employed to operate a signal indicated generally at 3?, and this is accomplished herein without appreciably altering the construction or operation of the device. Referring again to Figure 1, it will be noted that a contact segment 3| is secured to the needle shaft I3 in rear of the needle I2 for rotation therewith as a unit and having the peripheral portion thereof adapted to engage a cooperating contact clip 32 supported upon the forward end of the casing for circumferential adjustment.

The contact segment 3| is grounded through the casing as indicated by the reference character 33, and the contact 32 is located in an electric circuit including the signal 31. The arrangement is such that the segment 3| cooperates With the contact clip 32 to form in effect a switch for controlling the operation of the signal in dependence upon the extent of rotation of the needle shaft I3.

Reference has been made in the above to the fact that the operator is permitted to preselect the speed at which the signal is adapted to operate, and this is accomplished herein by circumferentially adjusting the contact 32 relative to the dial I I. As shown in Figure 1, the contact 32 is secured to a ring of dielectric material rotatably mounted on the casing I0 adjacent the dial I I and having a series of rack teeth 46 on the periphery thereof for engagement with a pinion 41. The pinion 4'! is secured to a shaft 48 suitably journalled on the casing and having a knob 49 at the outer end thereof located for convenient manipulation by the operator. With the above construction, it will be obvious that the contact 32 may be adjusted relative to the contact 3| throughout the circumferential extent of the dial II, and thereby renders it possible to effect operation of the signal at practically any particular speed of travel. It will be observed from Figure 3 that the contact 32 is visible through the front end of the indicator and, accordingly, the indicia on the dial I I may be employed to guide the operator in setting the contact at the desired speed.

I have illustrated in Figures 4 to 8 a second embodiment of my invention in which a multiple switch is associated with my indicating condition responsive device.

A two-stage signal or the like indicated at I II in Figure 4 is adapted to be connected to a source of current I41 by wire I52 which is connected to contacts I52 and IE5. A pivoted armature carrying spaced contacts I and I 58 is mounted adjacent contacts I52 and I59 and is adapted alternately to complete a circuit from source I41 to device III through wires H3 and H4. Wire H3 has a resistance element I5I therein, for reducing the effectiveness of device III.

Line II 2 is further connected to two coils I46 and I5? in parallel relation, and the coils are connected by wires ITO and I'll, respectively, to circuit making and breaking devices subsequently to be described. At present it is sufficient to observe that the circuits through coils I46 and I51 are completed serially (i. e. first one and then the other), and the circuit through coil I46 is open just prior to closure of the circuit through coil I5'I.

Source I4! is grounded as at M8, device III is grounded at I53, and the circuits through coils I46 and I5! are eventually grounded at I45. Coils I46 and I51, if required, may include suitable resistance elements to insure a definite flow of current through device I I I.

The associated switch and speedometer shown generally at H5 in Figure 4 comprises a speedometer of the fly-ball governor type supported on the instrument panel of the body in a position to be readily observed by the operator. The speedometer is shown in Figure 4 as comprising a casing I I6 having a dial II! secured to the forward end of the casing in any suitable manner and having a needle II8 supported in advance of the dial for movement across the face of the same. The needle H8 is secured to the front end of a shaft I I9 journalled in the front wall of the casing and having the rear end operatively connected to a fly-ball governor I 23, through the medium of suitable reduction gearing I2I. The governor I20 is of conventional construction having a shaft I22 journalled in opposite side walls of the casing and having collars supported on the shaft in axial spaced relationship for relative movement toward and away from each other. In the present instance, the collar I23 is secured to the shaft I22, and the opposed collar I24 is mounted on the shaft for axial sliding movement relative to the collar I23. The two collars are interconnected by means of weight carrying links I25, and the collar I24 is normally urged in a direction away from the collar I23 by means of coil spring I26 surrounding the shaft I22 between the collars. In accordance with conventional practice, the weight carrying links are arranged in pairs having their outer ends respectively pivotally connected to the collars and having their inner ends pivotally connected together through the medium of centrifugal weights I21. The weights I 21 move radially outwardly with respect to the axis of the shaft I22 in dependence upon the speed of rotation of said shaft and, as the weights are displaced outwardly by the action of centrifugal force, the collar I24 is moved against the action of the spring I 20 toward the collar I23. As shown in Figure 4, the collar I24 is operatively connected to the drive gear I28 of the reduction gearing I2I by means of a crank I29 having the crank pin I30 engageable in an annular groove I3I formed in the collar I 24. The arrangement is such that movement of the collar I24 axially toward the collar I 23, under the influence by the weights I21, effects a swinging movement of the needle I18 over the face of the dial II1 through the medium of the crank I29 and train of gearing III. The governor shaft I22 is rotated from a selected part of the power plant of the vehicle through the medium of a conventional speedometer drive cable I3I operatively connected to a shaft I32 journalled in the casing I I6 and having a spirally toothed gear I33 secured thereto and meshing with correspondingly spiralled teeth on the governor shaft I22. Owing to the fact that the diameter of the gear I33 is substantially greater than the tooth portion of the shaft I22, it necessarily follows that the shaft I22 is rotated at a speed faster than the speed of the driving cable, and this practice is desirable in that it affords greater accuracy in indicating the speeds of the vehicle.

It has previously been stated that the device 1 I I is actuated by the speedometer I I5, and this is accomplished herein without appreciably altering the construction of the speedometer unit. As shown in Figure 4, a contact segment I35 is secured to the indicating needle shaft I I9 for rotation therewith as a unit and adapted to engage a contact clip I36 secured to a ring I31 of dielectric material rotatably mounted on the forward end of the casing I I6 and having teeth on the periphery thereof adapted to mesh with a pinion I38 secured to the control shaft I39. The control shaft I39 is rotatably' journalled on the casing and is provided with a control I40 positioned for convenient manipulation by the operator. The arrangement is such that manipulation of the control I46 varies the position of the contact clip I36 relative to the segment and this, of course, changes the speed at which the two contacts come into engagement with each other. In Figure of the drawings, the segment is shown in a position where it has just engaged the contact clip I 36, and it will be noted from this figure that the segment is so designed as to maintain this engagement throughout continued travel of the needle H8 in the direction of the arrow I M. It will be noted that the forward end of the contact clip I36 terminates in -a pointer I42 adapted to overlap the dial H1 and cooperates with the indicia on the dial to guide the operator when selecting the particular speed he desires the signal to function. For example, if the operator desires to be warned when the vehicle exceeds fifty miles per hour, the contact clip is adjusted until the pointer registers with the numeral 50 on the dial II1. This cates the contact clip I35 in a position to be engaged by the leading edge of the contact segment when this edge is moved by the needle shaft I I9 to a position wherein it also registers with the numeral 50. As will be presently described, en-

gagement of the cooperating contacts closes the circuit to the device III through wire H3 and the latter acts at a constant intensity.

The contact segment I35 is grounded through the casing IIB in the manner indicated by the reference character I 45, and the contact clip I36 is electrically connected to one end of the coil Assuming that the contact segment moves into engagement with the contact clip I36, it will be noted that a circuit is closed through the coil I46, and energization of the latter causes the contact I50 to engage the contact I52. When this is accomplished, electrical energy is supplied through the line I I3 to the device I I I.

Reference has been made to the fact that the intensity of the warning signal is increased when the speed of the vehicle substantially exceeds the preselected speed. The foregoing is accomplished in the present instance by providing a second contact clip I36 secured to the ring I31 adjacent the clip I35 and engageable with a second segment I35 secured to the needle shaft II9 for rotation as a unit with the segment I35. It will be observed from Figure 5 that the leading edge I55 of the segment I35 is spaced from the corresponding edge of the segment I35 in a direction opposite the direction of rotation indicated by the arrow I4 I. As a consequence, the segment I35 contacts with the clip I36 after the clip I36 engages the segment I35 to actuate the signal I I I. Just prior to engagement of the clip I36 with the contact segment I35, the insulating ring I55 on the periphery of the segment I35 engages a shoulder I60 formed on the clip I35 and disengages the latter from the segment I35 to break the circuit to the signal III. Immediately after the clip I36 is disengaged from the segment I35 by the segment I35, an arcuate cam I56 on the front side of the latter contacts with the clip I36 in the manner shown in Figure 6, and closes a circuit including wire I1I to the coil I51 of the second relay. Energization of the coil I51 causes the contact I58 on the end of the armature I49 opposite the end having the contact I50, to engage the coil contact I59 and supply electrical energy through line H4 to the device III. The resistance I 5| in the conductor connecting the contact I50 to this button contact is omitted in the electrical connection of the contact I58 with the signal, so that a circuit of higher amperage is supplied to the device I I I.

While I have illustrated and described several specific embodiments of my invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various additions, modifications, omissions, combinations and substitutions may be made which will be within the spirit and scope of my invention as defined by the appended claims.

What I claim as my invention is:

1. A condition responsive switch comprising a casing having a cylindrical front portion, a circular track adjacent said front portion, a ring of insulating material rotatably mounted in said track, a contact carried by said ring, teeth on said ring, and a manually rotatable pinion meshing with said teeth, condition responsive means in said casing, a movable contact actuated by said condition responsive means, and movable in a path to engage said first mentioned contact.

2. A condition responsive switch comprising a cylindrical casing having a dial provided with indicia, a circular track on said casing, a ring of insulating material rotatably mounted in said track, a contact carried by said ring, having a contact portion in the rear of said dial and a pointer extending to the face of said dial, condition responsive means in said casing, a movable contact in the rear of said dial actuated by said condition responsive means, and movable in a path to engage said first mentioned contact, and an indicator movable with said movable contact in front of said dial to indicate the position of said movable contact relative to said indicia and said first mentioned contact.

3. A condition responsive switch comprising a casing having a cylindrical front portion, a circular track adjacent said front portion, a ring of insulating material rotatably mounted in said track, a contact carried by said ring, condition responsive means in said casing, a movable contact actuated by said condition responsive means, and movable in a path to engage said first mentioned contact, said movable contact being in the shape of a segment of a circle and centrally pivotally mounted, to establish and maintain engagement with said first mentioned contact at and above a predetermined value of said condition.

4. A condition responsive switch comprising a casing having a circular face, condition responsive means in said casing, a shaft rotatably mounted centrally of said face and extending therethrough, connections between said condition responsive means and said shaft for rotating said shaft to positions depending on the value of said condition, a segmental circular contact disk fixed to said shaft exterior of said casing, the periphery of said contact disk terminating adjacent the edge of said face, a plate secured to said casing, spaced outwardly from said contact disk, said plate being centrally apertured to receive said shaft, a pointer fixed on said shaft, movable over said plate, an insulating ring carried by said casing adjustable around the periphery of said face, a contact carried by said ring, in a position to be engaged by said contact disk, a portion of said contact extending inwardly over said plate, graduations in terms of said condition on said plate for cooperation with said pointer and said inwardly extending portion of said contact.

5. An indicator switch comprising a dial, an indicating point-er movable over said dial, a resilient contact adjacent said dial having a pointer cooperating with said dial, a contact member movable with said indicating pointer and adapted to engage said resilient contact when said indicating pointer and the pointer on said resilient contact are matched, said contacts adapted to remain in contact upon further movement of said indicating pointer, and means movable with said indicating pointer for thereafter moving said resilient contact away from said contact member.

6. An indicator switch comprising a dial, an indicating pointer movable over said dial, a resilient contact adjacent said dial having a pointer cooperating with said dial, a contact member movable with said indicating pointer and adapted to engage said resilient contact when said indicating pointer and the pointer on said resilient contact are matched, said contacts adapted to remain in contact upon further movement of said indicating pointer, and means movable with said indicating pointer for thereafter moving said resilient contact away from said contact member, said means comprising a cam surface engageable with said resilient contact.

'7. An indicator switch comprising a dial, an indicating pointer movable over said dial, a resilient contact adjacent said dial having a pointer.

cooperating with said dial, a contact member movable with said indicating pointer and adapted to engage said resilient contact when said indicating pointer and the pointer on said resilient contact are matched, said contacts adapted to remain in contact upon further movement of said indicating pointer, means movable with said indicating pointer for thereafter moving said resilient contact away from said contact member, a second contact adjacent said dial, and a second contact member movable with said indicating pointer, and adapted to engage upon disengagement of said first pair of contacts.

8. An indicator switch comprising a dial, an indicating pointer movable over said dial, a resilient contact adjacent said dial having a pointer cooperating with said dial, a contact member movable with said indicating pointer and adapted to engage said resilient contact when said indicating pointer and the pointer on said resilient contact are matched, said contacts adapted to remain in contact upon further movement of said indicating pointer, means movable with said indicating pointer for thereafter moving said resilient contact away from said contact member, a second contact adjacent said dial, and a second contact member movable with said indicating pointer, and adapted to engage upon disengagement of said first pair of contacts, said resilient contact and said second contact being adjustable as a unit peripherally of said dial.

9. Circuit control means comprising a cylindrical casing having a dial at one end, an indicating pointer movable over said dial, a ring of insulating material rotatably mounted on said casing adjacent said dial, means for adjusting said ring, a first and second contact carried by said ring, a first and second contact member movable with said pointer and cooperating with said first and second contacts respectively, and means movable with said second contact member for disengaging said first contact and said first contact member just prior to engagement of said second contact and said second contact member.

10. Circuit control means comprising a cylindrical casing having a dial at one end, an indicating pointer movable over said dial, a ring of insulating material rotatably mounted on said casing adjacent said dial, means for adjusting said ring, a first and second contact carried by said ring, a first and second contact member movable with said pointer and cooperating with said first and second contacts respectively, and means movable with said second contact member for disengaging said first contact and said first contact member just prior to engagement of said second contact and said second contact member, said first contact comprising a resilient element having an indicating portion movable over said dial.

11. Circuit control means comprising a cylindrical casing having a dial at one end, an indicating pointer movable over said dial, a ring of insulating material rotatably mounted on said casing adjacent said dial, means for adjusting said ring, a first and second contact carried by said ring, a first and second contact member movable with said pointer and cooperating with said first and second contacts respectively, and means movable with said second contact member for disengaging said first contact and said first contact member just prior to engagement of said second contact and said second contact member, said means comprising a cam carried by said second contact member.

12. A condition responsive switch comprising a cylindrical casing, a dial having indicia thereon carried by said casing, an indicating pointer movable over said dial, condition responsive means in said casing, connections intermediate said condition responsive means and said indicating pointer, a contact behind said dial movable with said pointer, a resilient contact adjustably mounted on the periphery of said casing, said resilient contact having a contact portion in rear of said dial engageable with said first contact and a pointer portion extending radially inward over said dial.

13. In a condition responsive switch having a dial having indicia thereon and an indicating needle movable over said dial, a contact movable with said indicating needle in rear of said dial,

an adjustable contact having a portion adapted to be engaged by said first contact, said adjustable contact being located in back of said dial and having a pointer extending forwardly and radially inwardly of said dial to cooperate with the indicia thereon.

14. A condition responsive switch comprising a casing having a cylindrical front portion, a circular track provided in the periphery of said casing,

a ring of insulating material rotatably mounted in said track, a contact carried by said ring, condition responsive means in said casing, a movable contact actuated by said condition responsive means and engageable with said first contact, manually operable means for adjusting said ring in said track, a dial having indicia at the front of said casing and concealing said movable contact, and a pointer movable with said ring over said indicia.

15. An indicator switch comprising a dial, an indicating pointer movable over said dial, a contact at the rear of said dial movable with said pointer and having a portion extending adjacent the periphery of said dial, a resilient contact having a contact portion adjacent the periphery of said dial in position to be engaged by said first icontact and having an indicator portion extending over the periphery of said dial into cooperative relation with the dial.

16. An indicator switch comprising a casing having a dial provided with indicia adjacent one edge, said dial having an opening therethrough,

a shaft in said opening, an indicating pointer secured to said shaft at the front of said dial, a contact secured to said shaft at the rear of said dial having an arcuate contact portion extending adjacent the said edge of said dial, a resilient contact having a portion adjacent the said edge of said dial in position to be engaged by said first contact, said resilient contact extending forwardly across the said edge of said dial and having a pointer portion extending inwardly over the front of said dial to cooperate with the said indicia thereon.

17. An indicator switch comprising a dial having indicia thereon, a pointer movable over said dial in cooperation with said indicia, a contact movable with said pointer at the rear of said dial adjacent said indicia, and a resilient contact extending generally perpendicular to said dial and having a portion at the rear of said dial in the path of said movable contact and a bent pointer portion at the front of said dial cooperating with said indicia.

18. An indicator switch comprising a dial having indicia thereon, adjacent an edge of said dial, a pointer rotatable over said dial in cooperation with said indicia, a contact rotatable with said pointer at the rear of said dial adjacent said indicia, and a resilient contact extending generally perpendicular to said dial and extending across the said edge of said dial, said resilient contact having a portion at the rear of said dial in the path of said rotatable contact and a bent pointer portion at the front of said dial cooperating with said indicia.

STUART H. CALDWELL. 

